Long-jointed Beetles

Lagriinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Tenebrionoidea
Family: Tenebrionidae
Subfamily: Lagriinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lagriinae: //ləˈɡriː.ɪ.naɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Eschatoporis nunenmacheri (10.3897-zookeys.688.13575) Figure 5 by Aalbu RL, Kanda K, Smith AD (2017) Reinstatement of Eschatoporiini Blaisdell, 1906, a unique tribe of blind cavernicolous Tenebrionidae from California, with a new species from Napa County (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Lagriinae). ZooKeys 688: 135-149. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.688.13575. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Anaedus brunneus (10.3897-zookeys.728.20602) Figure 3 by Bousquet Y, Thomas DB, Bouchard P, Smith AD, Aalbu RL, Johnston AM, Steiner WE Jr (2018) Catalogue of Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) of North America. ZooKeys 728: 1-455. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.728.20602. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Arthromacra aenea by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Darkling Beetle - Arthromacra aenea, Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Arthromacra aenea (47156231682) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Statira gagatina (10.3897-zookeys.728.20602) Figure 5 by Bousquet Y, Thomas DB, Bouchard P, Smith AD, Aalbu RL, Johnston AM, Steiner WE Jr (2018) Catalogue of Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) of North America. ZooKeys 728: 1-455. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.728.20602. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Lagriinae is a subfamily of long-jointed beetles within the family Tenebrionidae, notable for its medium-sized adults, unique tarsal formula, and ecological role in decomposing plant material. With over 270 genera, they exhibit a wide diversity and can be found in various habitats, primarily feeding on decaying vegetation.

Physical Characteristics

Adults of Lagriinae are mostly medium-sized (5-12 mm) with a 5-5-4 tarsal formula. The eyes are usually deeply emarginate and can partially surround the antennal bases, which are hidden by canthi. The last antennal segment is often either the longest or the widest and is sometimes sexually dimorphic. The head is generally at least as broad as the pronotum and constricted behind the eyes. The pronotum is typically much narrower than the base of the elytra, broadest at its base, and with sinuate or constricted sides.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive head and pronotum shape, along with the deeply emarginate eyes and unique antennal characteristics.

Habitat

Lagriinae larvae can typically be found in decaying vegetation, particularly in stumps and under bark.

Distribution

Lagriinae includes more than 270 genera worldwide, with approximately 35 species found in 8 genera across different regions, particularly in specific areas of significance.

Diet

Larvae feed on decaying vegetation in stumps and under bark.

Ecosystem Role

Lagriinae play a role in the decomposition process by feeding on decaying plant material, aiding in nutrient recycling.